HELP re: Insurance dispute for my Dad.

[G6ET8U]

Looking for help here for my Dad.

On Christmas day here in Melbourne his car (VZ Commodore) was extensively damaged due to the hail storms.

He is with RACV.

They replaced the windscreen for free as it was damaged and then put him off to have the car assessed at one of their assessment centres.

He then booked in to have the car assessed and that has happened only a couple of days ago. The assessment was carried out at an RACV centre. They said the bonnet, roof and boot require replacement. Drivers side front quarter panel and door require paintless dent removal and the rear passenger side quarter panel require paintless dent removal.

The car would have nearly 100 if not more dents in it.

He was offered by the assessor the following options to consider.

1. Write the car off, they would send a tow truck to the house to collect the vehicle and a cheque would be posted for the amount of $11450 which is minus the excess.

2. Write the car off, with the option of purchasing it back for $2900.

3. To repair the vehicle.

Now if the vehicle is repaired RACV WILL NOT re insurance the vehicle comprehensively any longer. 3rd Party only.

I discussed this with my father (he is 65 and now a widower) and we decided that he should tell them to write the car off and we will purchase a newer smaller car for him (a Ford Focus ).

He called RACV today and they have recinded the offer to write the car off?!?! No letter, no call, no nothing. They will only repair the car and still not reinsure it comprehensively.

Where on earth do we stand with this. Surely a verbal offer by an authorised person is an offer of contract that can't be recinded unless in writing for starters?

I haven't contacted RACV's claims department on his behalf yet or the ombudsman but will with the assistance of the forums knowledge to know where I stand first of all.

Please help! This isn't right.